Tinnitus

Tinnitus in Tuscaloosa

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a condition in which there is a perception of sound where there is no real external noise. Some people may call this condition “ringing in the ears”, however, tinnitus manifests itself with many perceptions of sound, including hissing, buzzing, whistling, clicking, and swooshing. Tinnitus can occur in just one ear, or both. This condition can cause distraction for many during daily activities.

There are two types of tinnitus. These include:

Subjective Tinnitus- This type of tinnitus occurs when there are head or ear noises that can only be heard by the patient. This type of tinnitus is the most common, with more than 99% of tinnitus cases falling into this category.

Objective Tinnitus- Objective tinnitus occurs when there are head or ear noises present that are heard by the patient, as well as other people. These sounds are usually made by the internal functions of blood flow and musculoskeletal movement. This form of tinnitus is very rare, with less than 1% of total cases falling into this category.

What are the Causes of Tinnitus?

The cause for tinnitus can differ from patient to patient. Although causes are commonly related to hearing loss, it can also be related to aging, temporary damage from loud noises, or misalignment of the jaw. Furthermore, tinnitus can be caused by blockages of the ear canal, neck and head trauma, sinus pressure, or can even be a side effect of medication. Although rare, a benign tumor known as an acoustic neuroma can also be the cause.

Tinnitus Treatment Options

If you are experiencing tinnitus symptoms contact Tuscaloosa ENT today to schedule your appointment. We will employ the appropriate treatment and management.

Patient Resources

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